Showing posts with label Caregiver Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caregiver Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Caregiver Lunch and Learn
Scheduled for Thursday April 5. We have a speaker scheduled at noon. Claire Torp from the American Red Cross will be speaking about fall prevention and what you can do at home to keep yourself and your loved one safe.
On Thursday April 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 we will have Ms. Carla Sorenson from Holland Home speaking on stress reduction for caregivers. This meeting is free and open to the public.
On Tuesday April 24 at 7:00, Kendra Schumaker MSW, CSW will be speaking on The Blessings of Caregiving: One Woman's Story at the Thornapple Covenant Church which is located at 6595 Cascade Rd. SE (near the corner of Cascade and Burton). This support group is free, open to the public, and will offer a time for sharing of concerns.
SarahCare Adult Day Center
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
On Thursday April 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 we will have Ms. Carla Sorenson from Holland Home speaking on stress reduction for caregivers. This meeting is free and open to the public.
On Tuesday April 24 at 7:00, Kendra Schumaker MSW, CSW will be speaking on The Blessings of Caregiving: One Woman's Story at the Thornapple Covenant Church which is located at 6595 Cascade Rd. SE (near the corner of Cascade and Burton). This support group is free, open to the public, and will offer a time for sharing of concerns.
SarahCare Adult Day Center
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
Phone: 616.530.6700
www.sarahcare.com
www.sarahcare.com
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Book review (+ free offer!): Miracle for Jen
Miracle for Jen, by Linda Barrick with John Perry (Tyndale House) is the account of the fateful accident and subsequent recovery of a young woman who is extraordinary. You could sum it up by saying, "Jen Barrick was a teenager when her life turned upside down through a horrible brain injury." Or you could say, "Jen Barrick was a teenager when God answered her prayers."
It all depends on your perspective, and Jen prefers the latter. Her story must be read to be believed, but ultimately it's not hard to believe.
How could multiple skull fractures resulting in damage to every part of her brain be an answer to prayer? It is if your prayer was for greater intimacy with God and impact for Him.
It's impossible to say how the injury affected her relationship with God, but her mother Linda and other observers documented how, upon coming out of her coma, Jen clearly and cogently expressed herself in prayer and praise to God, as though He was in the room with her. And that ability continues to this day.
Communication with family and friends came less smoothly. In fact, Jen struggled to vocalize her thoughts as severe memory loss hampered her recovery for several months. Yet Bible verses and hymn lyrics would flow effortlessly from her mouth, some that her mother didn't know she had memorized prior to the accident.
While Jen delighted in this new-found freedom, Linda grieved over her daughter's lost capacities. Would she ever go back to school? Would she return to cheerleading or singing in the choir? Would she graduate and have a normal life? Making those old hopes and plans reality seemed impossible. God could heal her, but would He? Would the old Jen return?
Linda began to accept a new reality when she read Jen's prayer journals. What started as an attempt to reconnect with the "old" Jen became a means of embracing the new one. Four months before the crash, she had written,
Win a copy!
This book would make a great gift for caregivers and is an all-around inspiring memoir for church library shelves. In fact, be the first to email me your name and address and I'll send you a certificate for a free copy!
TyndaleHouse Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
It all depends on your perspective, and Jen prefers the latter. Her story must be read to be believed, but ultimately it's not hard to believe.
How could multiple skull fractures resulting in damage to every part of her brain be an answer to prayer? It is if your prayer was for greater intimacy with God and impact for Him.
It's impossible to say how the injury affected her relationship with God, but her mother Linda and other observers documented how, upon coming out of her coma, Jen clearly and cogently expressed herself in prayer and praise to God, as though He was in the room with her. And that ability continues to this day.
Communication with family and friends came less smoothly. In fact, Jen struggled to vocalize her thoughts as severe memory loss hampered her recovery for several months. Yet Bible verses and hymn lyrics would flow effortlessly from her mouth, some that her mother didn't know she had memorized prior to the accident.
While Jen delighted in this new-found freedom, Linda grieved over her daughter's lost capacities. Would she ever go back to school? Would she return to cheerleading or singing in the choir? Would she graduate and have a normal life? Making those old hopes and plans reality seemed impossible. God could heal her, but would He? Would the old Jen return?
Linda began to accept a new reality when she read Jen's prayer journals. What started as an attempt to reconnect with the "old" Jen became a means of embracing the new one. Four months before the crash, she had written,
God, I want You to be my everything. Continue to grow my faith and allow me to know You like never before!Four days before:
We all want the testimony, but we'd rather skip the test that give us one.Jen has had quite a testimony since her accident, sharing with groups small and large the miracle of knowing God. This book does not candy-coat the daily struggles along the way, or pretend that one answered prayer alleviates all doubts. Linda writes:
To help me survive the long, hard days I began telling myself over and over that this life on earth is only a dot on the timeline of history, leading to God's eternity where we will experience unparalleled joy. Off and on I'd repeat that truth out loud, so Jen nicknamed me Polka Dot, evidence of one of her first short-term memory triumphs. Every time she called me Polka Dot, it reminded all of us that this difficult and challenging life is a moment in time anticipating life in heaven, with no pain or sorrow, just ahead.
Tucking Jen in bed at night became a family ritual. . . . I often prayed, "Lord, please connect a new pathway in Jen's brain tonight."
When it was Jen's turn to pray, she was always full of thanksgiving and praise. One night, she astounded us all when she prayed, "Lord, did I meet all of Your expectations today? Did I fulfill all that You had for me to do?"
Wow! It had never crossed my mind to pray a prayer like that. I'd been so busy begging God for healing and help that I had forgotten that this life is not about me or my family's comfort; it is about God and His plan. Jen had a completely different perspective from the rest of us. She knew that God had left her on this earth for a reason. He had things for her to do!I also appreciate that this book highlights the ministry of caregivers -- their necessity and vital importance. Because Jen wasn't the only one injured in the accident -- both Linda and Jen's dad Andy were severely injured as well -- friends and family members had to step in to provide round-the-clock assistance. Members of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA (yes, that one), were not only relied upon for meals and visits, but for long-term personal care.
Win a copy!
This book would make a great gift for caregivers and is an all-around inspiring memoir for church library shelves. In fact, be the first to email me your name and address and I'll send you a certificate for a free copy!
TyndaleHouse Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Caring Coalition conference
Hospice of Michigan is once again privileged to sponsor the Caring Coalition conference, March 21 at Shaarey Zedek, in Southfield. This year's theme, "On My Terms: Patient Directed Care," and the featured speaker is Dr. Ira Byock, renowned author and expert on issues related to death and dying.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
This issue of Caring Right at Home
Caring Right at Home newsletter
'via Blog this'
- Supporting Spouse Caregivers
- Delirium Complicates Recovery for Senior Patients
- Caring for Senior Cancer Patients
- Best of the Blog
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Strategies for Caregivers
Strategies for Caregivers | Hospice of Michigan: Caregivers need to take care of themselves beginning at day one of caring for a sick loved one. Multiple studies have documented the emotional and physical impact of caregiving for a loved one who is at the end of life.
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Caregiving at Least 8 Ways
Caregiving at Least 8 Ways | Hospice of Michigan: According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are more than 65 million caregivers in the U.S. Some may not identify themselves as “caregiver,” yet they provide physical, emotional or financial support for a loved one who is ill. Understanding the different caregiver roles creates opportunities for caregivers to access support.
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Warning signs of stroke
A TIA Is Your Stroke Warning - Stroke Center - EverydayHealth.com: The symptoms and warning signs that you're having a pre-stroke or mini-stroke are similar to those of a stroke, but remember that a "transient ischemic attack" (TIA) doesn't last as long and doesn't leave lasting effects. To spot a TIA, look for:
- Speech problems, slurred speech, or difficulty speaking or comprehending
- Paralysis and weakness, which may occur in a leg or arm or in the face, usually on one side of the body
- Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision (may be in one eye or both)
- Balance problems, including losing your balance, difficulty walking, and losing coordination
- Headache, which is usually severe and with no known cause
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Grief: Quotes from Dr. Alan Wolfet
"One must grieve well and mourn well so that they can once again live well and love well."
“But grief is not a disease. Instead, it is the normal healthy process of embracing the mystery of the death of someone loved. If mourners see themselves as active participants in their healing, they will experience a renewed sense of meaning and purpose of life."
“But grief is not a disease. Instead, it is the normal healthy process of embracing the mystery of the death of someone loved. If mourners see themselves as active participants in their healing, they will experience a renewed sense of meaning and purpose of life."
Shared by Karla Boyer
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Photos from recent LIFT training
Monday, August 15, 2011
Caregiver support group meets Thursday
Mike Faber, the Associate Director of the Older Learner Center, will be speaking on Understanding Aging in Relationship to Caregiving. This is a great group to attend whether you are a veteran caregiver, or if you are relatively new caring for yourself while you are caring for others. The group will be in session from 6:30 to 8:30 and will meet at SarahCare. Light refreshments will be served.
SarahCare Adult Day Center
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
Phone: 616.530.6700
www.sarahcare.com
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
Phone: 616.530.6700
www.sarahcare.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Order a Caregiver Kit from Hospice of Michigan
Who is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides informal, unpaid care for someone they love. There are more than 65 million caregivers in the United States, and you may be one of them.
Since Hospice of Michigan began caring for patients more than 30 years ago, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with caregivers. We recognize that they need our attention and our help. That's why we created the Caregiver Kit, which offers resources and many helpful tools for those who are caring for a loved one. At Hospice of Michigan, we are caregivers too, and we are here to support you.
Patient Pain and Caregivers
One day we received a call from a caregiver in Big Rapids. Her loved one was a 35-year-old man who had been living in excruciating pain for more than three years. The caregiver could no longer endure watching him suffer. She called us.
Within the first three hours of admitting the patient, we reduced his pain from a 10 or "Worst Possible" on a 10-point rating scale, to 3 (Low to Moderate).
This is the kind of story that makes our day at Hospice of Michigan. When we manage a patient's pain, in addition to helping that patient, we also help caregivers assess the situation that their loved one is in. We provide tools and valuable information to make their role as caregivers easier and more peaceful for them as well as their loved ones.
A caregiver is anyone who provides informal, unpaid care for someone they love. There are more than 65 million caregivers in the United States, and you may be one of them.
- 66% of caregivers are women
- 40% are employed
- 37% have children or grandchildren living with them
- 25% are low-income
Since Hospice of Michigan began caring for patients more than 30 years ago, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with caregivers. We recognize that they need our attention and our help. That's why we created the Caregiver Kit, which offers resources and many helpful tools for those who are caring for a loved one. At Hospice of Michigan, we are caregivers too, and we are here to support you.
The Caregiver Kit
Hospice of Michigan's Caregiver Kit is designed to give you the tools you need to help your loved one and to make your burden a little lighter.
The kit includes:
Hospice of Michigan's Caregiver Kit is designed to give you the tools you need to help your loved one and to make your burden a little lighter.
The kit includes:
- A simple Stress Assessment tool with tips to help you manage it
- Practical tips, tricks and tools to ease the burden of basic care
- Information about how to talk to your physician
- A pain scale to evaluate pain
- A comprehensive list of caregiver resources
Patient Pain and Caregivers
One day we received a call from a caregiver in Big Rapids. Her loved one was a 35-year-old man who had been living in excruciating pain for more than three years. The caregiver could no longer endure watching him suffer. She called us.
Within the first three hours of admitting the patient, we reduced his pain from a 10 or "Worst Possible" on a 10-point rating scale, to 3 (Low to Moderate).
This is the kind of story that makes our day at Hospice of Michigan. When we manage a patient's pain, in addition to helping that patient, we also help caregivers assess the situation that their loved one is in. We provide tools and valuable information to make their role as caregivers easier and more peaceful for them as well as their loved ones.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Caregiving in Early Alzheimer's Disease
Caregiving in Early Alzheimer's Disease: There are a number of measures that can be taken to help a loved one cope better with the challenges presented by early Alzheimer’s disease.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Adapting Your Home to Your Arthritis
Adapting Your Home to Your Arthritis - Arthritis Center - Everyday Health: No matter what type of arthritis you or your loved one faces, you can streamline the design of your home to ease joint pain and other arthritis symptoms. Here's what you need to know as you go room by room.
SarahCare support group
This month's support group at SarahCare will be held on Thursday June 16, 2011, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Christiana Getz will discuss "Knowing the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's." Light refreshments provided. (Make note of the time change; meetings typically start at 7, but not this time.)
SarahCare Adult Day Center
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
Phone: 616.530.6700
Metro Health Village
2024 Health Drive, Suite B
Wyoming, MI 49519
Phone: 616.530.6700
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Latest issue of Caring Right at Home
- Stroke Caregivers Face Their Own Health Challenges
- A Lifetime of Noise Takes a Toll on Baby Boomers' Hearing
- Physicians Urged to Be Alert for Signs of Elder Financial Abuse
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